On Tour with Sons of Gods by Arthur J. Gonzalez, Meet the Author, and Giveaway.

(sigh) Ah, this book. And (sigh) ah, its author. See, the thing is, I love myths (I am Italian, after all. Jupiter, Mars, Mercury and all them Roman Gods are the characters of stories we start reading in first grade). This story seems as fun and adventurous as they come. The Author, Arthur, hails from Miami (Florida proud here), came by for a chat and what the hell if it wasn’t a pleasure (he also has a great smile, which never hurts a bit).

So, let’s start! Book first (sorry Arthur).

Sons of Gods by Arthur J. Gonzalez is a Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult Novel.

Synopsis:

Long ago, the wrath of the three God brothers marked the onset of the Great War. The other Gods watched in horror, until they, too, were forced to take sides. Their beloved Mt Olympus collapsed, ruin was brought to all Divine, and the Age of Darkness gripped the world in its clutches. But a group of Gods was wise, and before their impending deaths, they had crafted a pact, committing to one day rebuilding the Territories – the Heavens, Seas, and the Underworld. It would usher in the world they protected and honored out from its darkness. And from it would rise the new Greats: the Sons of Gods.

Cienzo has always had an affliction for metal and fire; never did he anticipate it would one day translate to wielding dormant powers. It is during a journey to fulfill a promise to his dying sister, that he is plunged into a dark and magical world, and where great responsibility is bestowed upon him.

Is he worthy of assuming the throne of the Territories? Can shattering steel and splitting fire change his mind?

Hi Arthur, and thank you for being here with me today. So, what sort of research did you do to write this book?

I did a a lot of reading and research on mythology. That was the bulk of my research efforts. But I spent a lot of time also understanding what my visual archetype for my world would be. This was inspired by hours of scouring Pinterest and artist websites, like DeviantArt.

What is the main thing you want readers to take away from your book?

I want my readers to take away a sensation of adventure. I want them to understand that some bonds are so unremarkable that they are unbreakable, no matter the circumstances. Also, that they can do greater things even when we believe we are incapable of them.

Can you tell us a fun fact about writing your book.

A fun fact about the book, was that Troix was a very late addition to the series. I had written the book without him and then had this dream about a character in his image. From there, his entire storyline evolved.

What are you working on now?

Currently, I am working on Book 2, the Sequel to the Sons of Gods. The working title now is Blood of Gods. It will be pretty exciting, because it delves into the Underworld … and my vision for it is pretty stellar. Besides that, I am also working in my first try children’s illustration book, Mack and the Peculiar Tree. This is very exciting for me. I’m working with a talented artist from Spain who has illustrated some of the most breathtaking art I have seen. Visit my website: www.arthurJgonzalez.com

Do you have a day job?

Yes, I do. I am a Regional Operations Leader for a Tech company, called Enjoy. It has been one of the most fulfilling roles. There is an astounding sense of family and pride here, and I have been blessed.

What started you on the path to writing?

I always wrote. I used to write on poems for my mother as gifts for Mother’s Day. They then transitioned to short stories and then to full-length novels. But what really pushed me over, was the sudden passing of my father. I had, at the time, been studying and readying to apply for Med School. But when that occurred, I decided I was doing something that was against my calling. I quit the traditional path and began developing my technical skills.

What do your friend and family think about your being a writer?

They love it. They also embrace and celebrate me, which is beautiful. Since they all live in Miami, and I in LA, it’s also become a way for us to stay connected. They ask me about my stories and characters. My niece even critiques my children’s stories—its fantastic.

Which kind of scenes are the hardest for you to write?

Action scenes are the most difficult for me. Dialogue is inherently easy. But actions scenes, especially war or fight scenes are incredibly difficult. I think it’s because it may be so against who I am as a person that I find it hard to imagine.

What turns you on?

Intimate conversations, teeth and eyes.

What turns you off?

Bad breath and people tapping incessantly on tables.

First thought when the alarm goes off in the in the morning.

First of all, I have to admit that I have at least 10 alarms back-to-back. Literally. Not lying. I am so worried about oversleeping, even though I don’t. I wake up very anxious, and then naturally it deflates.

Up early or sleep in.

Sleep in. I loooove my sleep. Loooooove. But, I will say, when I am up early, I do feel a sense of Warrior-Syndrome. As though I can conquer the world.

Is marriage outdated?

I don’t think ‘marriage’ is outdated, necessarily, but I think the need and requirement for it is. The principle of marriage is beautiful, but it is by no means an end goal, nor is it the definition of a successful relationship. Commitment comes in several packaging and I truly believe that this is represented differently for all couples.

Arthur J. Gonzalez is a Young Adult author of the Photo Traveler series. Originally born in Miami, FL, you can now find him living on the West side in Los Angeles. If he’s not drinking coffee or playing with his adorable Schnoodle, Sookie, then he’s probably enjoying a nap. Also, he forgets the lyrics to nearly every song.